PA Trolley Museum

Last Fridays at the Museum- July
2024-07-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Take a ride on a trolley, grab a bite to eat from a food truck, and bring your lawn chair so you can kick back and listen to some live music along our beautiful Volunteer Boulevard. This will be a concert series that will continue throughout the Summer with a different band each month.
July’s Performance
Tom Battaglia, keyboard artist and singer of “The Sunshine Boys”
Time
Performance begins at 6 PM and wraps up at 8 PM.
Food and Drink and Fun
Bring your friends, family, a blanket or chair, and your appetite! The Twisted Potato will be on site serving.
Tickets
$10 per person – purchase tickets at the Museum day of the event. Come out and enjoy the music on our picturesque street.

Trolleyology: Meet Me Beneath Public Square: The Saga of Cleveland's Subways
2024-07-16 19:00 - 20:30
Join PTM staff, volunteers, and members for our Zoom series, Trolleyology! These programs feature Pennsylvania transit history topics and tales of our collection that you can experience from home. Registration is required but free of charge. Donations are welcome and encouraged.

Meet Me Beneath Public Square: The Saga of Cleveland’s Subways
July 16, 2024 – 7 PM ET – Presented by Dr. Craig Semsel

REGISTER HERE

This presentation will address various plans to build a Cleveland subway. It will look at three distinct periods of time (Progressive Era, 1920s, 1950s) when planning reached a fairly advanced stage and the people of Cleveland voted on whether or not to go forward with construction. Despite the optimism of their promoters, only one small subway was ever built. We will look at the subway that got built, and two “near misses” that got away…

This program will be recorded and available at a later date on the PTM YouTube channel.

Trolleyology presentations will continue on a regular or semi-regular basis. Interested in presenting? Email Kristen at kfred@patrolley.org! We’re specifically looking for programs related to the Trolley Era in general, Pennsylvania transit history, or stories about our collection. Please join our e-mail list to stay up-to-date with program announcements and other PTM news!
*For the best experience, we recommend downloading Zoom in advance.
NOTE: This is a virtual event

Extreme STEAM Camp
2024-07-15 09:00 - 2024-07-19 12:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
**New Camp!*
Unleash your inner innovator! Discover how science, history, and technology come together as we explore the past and plan for the future! Design and build electrifying inventions for a new “Smart Streetcar” using Makey Makey technology and then whip up a fresh batch of conductive playdough. Dive into computer programming with Sphero Robotics to drive through obstacle courses, then design and race robot-powered horsecars.
CAMP THEMES: Computer Science, Robotics, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math
Camps run Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. All camps include behind-the-scenes tours, interactive guided tours of our collection of artifacts and historic streetcars, time to explore our brand-new 21,000 square foot Welcome and Education Center exhibit galleries, and rides on several of our fully-restored antique trolleys. Enroll your child in a program that sparks their interest in learning and a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity for your child to have a summer full of fun, exploration, new friendships and memories, and STEAM-fueled adventures!
COST

$150 Member / $175 Non-Member (Early Bird Special until January 31st)
$175 Member / $200 Non-Member after Feb 1st

Click Here To Register

STEAM Camp
2024-07-08 09:00 - 2024-07-12 12:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
It’s full STEAM ahead in a camp dedicated to all things science, technology, engineering, art, and math! Design, build, and test the tallest towers, longest bridges, and strongest structures. Explore the history of transportation from trolleys and trains to boats, cars, and planes. Construct working circuits out of playdough, investigate invisible forces, and shrink a trolley down to pocket-size!
This camp is for students ages 6 – 8!
CAMP THEMES: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math, History, Electricity
Camps run Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. All camps include behind-the-scenes tours, interactive guided tours of our collection of artifacts and historic streetcars, time to explore our brand-new 21,000 square foot Welcome and Education Center exhibit galleries, and rides on several of our fully-restored antique trolleys. Enroll your child in a program that sparks their interest in learning and a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity for your child to have a summer full of fun, exploration, new friendships and memories, and STEAM-fueled adventures!
COST

$150 Member / $175 Non-Member (Early Bird Special until January 31st)
$175 Member / $200 Non-Member after Feb 1st

Click Here To Register

BSA Signs, Signals, and Codes
2024-07-03 13:00 - 16:00
Wednesday, July 3rd
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $20 per Scout, $10 per Chaperone
This merit badge workshop is open to any youth in grades 6th – 12th grade and is designed to help BSA scouts meet requirements for the Signs, Signals, and Codes merit badge. We will be covering requirements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
Scouts are responsible for the following pre-requisites: 7. Requirement 7 has the Scout laying out at least a 1-mile trail for a patrol or troop to follow that includes at least six different trail signs and markers. Scouts can write a short report about completing the requirement and should include pictures showing each trail sign and marker used for counselor approval. If participants do not complete these requirements ahead of time, Scouts must follow up with the counselors before a signed blue card will be issued.
Signs, Signals, and Codes Badge Requirements
Signs, Signals, and Codes Merit Badge Workbook

Click Here To Register

BSA American Heritage
2024-07-03 09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday, July 3rd
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $20 per Scout, $10 per Chaperone
This merit badge workshop is open to any youth in grades 6th – 12th grade and is designed to help BSA scouts meet requirements for the American Heritage merit badge. We will be covering requirements 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, and 6.
Scouts are responsible for the following pre-requisites: 3c. Research your family’s history. Find out how various events and situations in American history affected your family. If your family immigrated to America, tell the reasons why. Share what you find with your counselor.
American Heritage Merit Badge Requirements
American Heritage Merit Badge Workbook
Click Here To Register

BSA Environmental Science
2024-07-02 13:00 - 16:00
Tuesday, July 2nd
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $20 per Scout, $10 per Chaperone
This merit badge workshop is open to any youth in 6th – 12th grade and is designed to help BSA scouts meet requirements for the Environmental Science merit badge. We will be covering requirements 1, 2, 3.a, 3.b, 3.c, 3.d, 3.f, 3.g, 3.h, 5, and 6.
Scouts are responsible for the following pre-requisites: 3.e, 4 Requirement 3.e requires scouts to do research on an endangered species and write a 100-word report or visit a site that features a project to improve the habitat of a threatened or endangered species. Requirement 4 involves choosing two outdoor study areas and carrying out observations. If participants do not complete these requirements ahead of time, Scouts must follow up with the counselors before a signed blue card will be issued.
Environmental Science Merit Badge Requirements
Environmental Science Merit Badge Workbook
Click Here To Register

BSA Weather
2024-07-02 09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday, July 2nd
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $20 per Scout, $10 per Chaperone
This merit badge workshop is open to any youth in 6th – 12th grade and is designed to help BSA scouts meet requirements for the Weather merit badge. We will be covering requirements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9b, and 11.
Scouts are responsible for the following pre-requisites: 10. Requirement 10 requires the Scout to write a 5-minute speech about outdoor safety weather rules and present it to a group. Scouts should bring a copy of their speech and either photographs or a video recording of their presentation. If participants do not complete these requirements ahead of time, Scouts must follow up with the counselors before a signed blue card will be issued.
Weather Merit Badge Requirements
Weather Merit Badge Workbook
Click Here To Register

BSA Electricity
2024-07-01 13:00 - 16:00
Monday, July 1st
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $20 per Scout, $10 per Chaperone
This merit badge workshop is open to any youth in 6th – 12th grade and is designed to help BSA Scouts meet requirements for the Electricity merit badge. We will be covering requirements 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, and 11.
Scouts are responsible for the following pre-requisites: 2, 8, and 9. Requirement 2 requires an electrical home safety inspection of a Scout’s home to be completed. Requirement 8 requires a floor plan wiring diagram to be drawn of a room in the Scout’s house. Requirement 9 requires a Scout to read an electric meter, discuss their family’s electric bill, determine energy costs, and come up with 5 ways their family can conserve energy. If participants do not complete these requirements ahead of time, Scouts must follow up with the counselors before a completed signed blue card will be issued.
Electricity Merit Badge Requirements
Electricity Merit Badge Workbook
Click Here To Register

BSA Engineering (New!)
2024-07-01 09:00 - 12:00
Monday, July 1st
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $20 per Scout, $10 per Chaperone
This merit badge workshop is open to any youth in grades 6th – 12th grade and is designed to help BSA scouts meet requirements for the Engineering merit badge. We will be covering requirements 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
Scouts are responsible for the following pre-requisites: 1: Select a manufactured item in your home (such as a toy or an appliance) and, under adult supervision and with the approval of your counselor, investigate how and why it works as it does. Find out what sort of engineering activities were needed to create it. Discuss with your counselor what you learned and how you got the information. Scouts should take pictures and write a small report on the object chosen. If participants do not complete these requirements ahead of time, Scouts must follow up with the counselors before a completed signed blue card will be issued.
Engineering Badge Requirements
Engineering Merit Badge Workbook

Click Here To Register

Last Fridays at the Museum- June
2024-06-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Take a ride on a trolley, grab a bite to eat from a food truck, and bring your lawn chair so you can kick back and listen to some live music along our beautiful Volunteer Boulevard. This will be a concert series that will continue throughout the Summer with a different band each month.
June’s Performance
Step into the world of Regency-era romance and elegance at this month’s “Last Fridays at the Museum.” Enjoy a Bridgerton-inspired performance by a talented string quartet from the Washington Symphony Orchestra.
Time
Performance begins at 6 PM and wraps up at 8 PM.
Food and Drink and Fun
Bring your friends, family, a blanket or chair, and your appetite! Foxy Frans food truck will be serving delicious dishes (soul food + Caribbean inspired), and the Washington Winery will offer a variety of libations for those 21 and over.
Tickets
$10 per person – purchase tickets at the Museum day of the event. Come out and enjoy the music on our picturesque street.

Way Back When Camp
2024-06-24 09:00 - 2024-06-28 12:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
**NEW Camp!**
Take a captivating journey into the past and discover what life was like in the 1800s and early 1900s! Spend the week immersed in the traditions of old, from playing timeless children’s games to creating vintage toys. Investigate historic foods and recipes, then explore the groundbreaking inventions and technology, like the steam engine and electricity, that paved the way for the world we know today.
This camp is for students between the ages of 6 – 8.
CAMP THEMES: History, Engineering, Science, Transportation, Inventing
Camps run Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. All camps include behind-the-scenes tours, interactive guided tours of our collection of artifacts and historic streetcars, time to explore our brand-new 21,000 square foot Welcome and Education Center exhibit galleries, and rides on several of our fully-restored antique trolleys. Enroll your child in a program that sparks their interest in learning and a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity for your child to have a summer full of fun, exploration, new friendships and memories, and STEAM-fueled adventures!
COST

$150 Member / $175 Non-Member (Early Bird Special until January 31st)
$175 Member / $200 Non-Member after Feb 1st

Click Here To Register

Trolleyology: The Second Career of the Twin Cities PCC Cars: The Newark City Subway
2024-06-18 19:00 - 20:30
Join PTM staff, volunteers, and members for our Zoom series, Trolleyology! These programs feature Pennsylvania transit history topics and tales of our collection that you can experience from home. Registration is required but free of charge. Donations are welcome and encouraged.

The Second Career of the Twin Cities PCC Cars: The Newark City Subway
June 18, 2024 – 7 PM ET – Presented by Matt Nawn

REGISTER HERE

Following the story of the Twin Cities Lines PCC Cars presented earlier this year by Aaron Isaacs, Matt Nawn will discuss the second careers of the thirty former Twin Cities Lines PCC Cars that served the citizens of Newark, NJ for nearly five decades. At first glance, the story of thirty identical cars serving a single rail line may not seem very exciting, but Matt will share some interesting and unique aspects of this 100% PCC Car operation, including some little-known facts about some of the cars and the dedicated crews who maintained them. Matt will also touch on the dispositions of these cars after their departure from Newark, including some cars that have gone on to a remarkable third career.

This program will be recorded and available at a later date on the PTM YouTube channel.

Trolleyology presentations will continue on a regular or semi-regular basis. Interested in presenting? Email Kristen at kfred@patrolley.org! We’re specifically looking for programs related to the Trolley Era in general, Pennsylvania transit history, or stories about our collection. Please join our e-mail list to stay up-to-date with program announcements and other PTM news!
*For the best experience, we recommend downloading Zoom in advance.
NOTE: This is a virtual event

LEGO® Engineering Camp
2024-06-17 09:00 - 2024-06-21 12:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Join us for a week of LEGO® themed engineering challenges! Explore the world of engineering and the forces of physics, then compete to build the tallest towers and longest bridges. Design a paper airplane launcher, construct a working claw, and race rubber band-powered cars and wind-powered boats. Finish the week off by constructing a giant chain reaction contraption.
This camp is for students between the ages of 9 – 12.
CAMP THEMES: Math, LEGO®, Engineering, Art, Science, History, Physics, Transportation
Camps run Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. All camps include behind-the-scenes tours, interactive guided tours of our collection of artifacts and historic streetcars, time to explore our brand-new 21,000 square foot Welcome and Education Center exhibit galleries, and rides on several of our fully-restored antique trolleys. Enroll your child in a program that sparks their interest in learning and a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity for your child to have a summer full of fun, exploration, new friendships and memories, and STEAM-fueled adventures!
COST

$150 Member / $175 Non-Member (Early Bird Special until January 31st)
$175 Member / $200 Non-Member after Feb 1st

Click Here To Register

LEGO® Camp
2024-06-10 09:00 - 2024-06-14 12:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
LIMITED SPACE LEFT!
Join us for a week of LEGO® themed building challenges, artistic creations, and fun! Learn about the world of engineering while building models and testing simple machines. Create a brick self-portrait, then try painting with LEGO® bricks! Investigate different modes of transportation, then plan and design a brick town and trolley park with the help of LEGO Coding Express®.
This camp is for students between the ages of 9 – 12.
CAMP THEMES: Math, LEGO®, Engineering, Art, Science, History, Physics, Transportation
Camps run Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. All camps include behind-the-scenes tours, interactive guided tours of our collection of artifacts and historic streetcars, time to explore our brand-new 21,000 square foot Welcome and Education Center exhibit galleries, and rides on several of our fully-restored antique trolleys. Enroll your child in a program that sparks their interest in learning and a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity for your child to have a summer full of fun, exploration, new friendships and memories, and STEAM-fueled adventures!
COST

$150 Member / $175 Non-Member (Early Bird Special until January 31st)
$175 Member / $200 Non-Member after Feb 1st

Check out our other summer camp offerings here!

Anything on Wheels
2024-06-09 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-06-08 10:00 - 16:00
“Anything on Wheels” is back – at our new campus at 1 Electric Way for the first time!
Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9, from 10am to 4pm, come see dozens of vehicles including antique and classic cars, special use trucks, construction vehicles, and even some vintage boats on trailers. You can also ride a variety of our beautifully restored, antique trolleys throughout the day, tour the Trolley Display Building, and see interactive exhibits in the new Welcome and Education Center!
The Museum welcomes those who would like to display a vehicle during the show; the parking lot opens at 9 AM. Pre-registration is appreciated but not required and there is no fee for exhibitors, though contributions are welcome. Exhibitors receive two complimentary admission tickets – please check in at the table when you arrive. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to take photos of their vehicles alongside a historic streetcar. Details will be handed out at the registration table!
Registration
Exhibitors: to let us know you’re coming, register here! (Or just show up!)
Tickets for museum and car show attendees may be purchased on the day of the event – advance tickets are not available.
Other details:

Los Gallitos food truck will be on site Saturday for lunch
Hott Dawgs food truck will be on site Sunday for lunch (menu of gourmet hot dogs, gourmet burgers, foot long corn dogs and french fries)
La! La! Lemonade will have hand-squeezed lemonade with classic and creative flavors available for purchase both days!
The Pittsburgh Garden Railway Society will have a layout both days
Saturday only: Historic trolley parades throughout the day (times TBA) narrated by one of our knowledgeable volunteers. See history in action and step inside our maintenance and restoration shop! (Watch your step!)
Saturday evening, 8 PM start: Sunset/night photo session. Streetcar-era vehicles welcome!
Sunday only: The Ohio Valley Community Band will perform at 2 PM!

This event is rain or shine.

Night photo session – vintage vehicles and trolleys
Join us for an evening of historic vehicles and photography! Several scenes with restored antique trolleys and vintage automobiles will be staged beginning at 8 PM for golden hour and sunset followed by a night shoot with a continuous light source. Scenes will feature a restored 1908 trolley depot, a brick-paved street, and automobiles alongside a streetcar.
The shoot will take place around the new Welcome and Education Center. Meeting location details to come!
Tickets are free but donations are encouraged. Photography clubs are welcome (non-commercial), as are reenactors and people with period clothing! Participants with vehicles, photographers, and other participants may register using the same form as exhibitors.

West Penn Trolley Meet
2024-06-09 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-06-08 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-06-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum – New Address, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Held for the first time in the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum’s new Welcome and Education Center, the West Penn Trolley Meet is back for another year!
NEW for 2024, the North American Transit Historical Society’s annual Hoosier Traction Meet will take place the same dates at the museum (separate registration).

WHEN
Friday-Saturday, June 7-8, with optional PRT excursion on June 9!
Friday 10AM – 4PM
Saturday 10AM – 4PM
Sunday: Time TBA – PRT light rail trip (details TBA)! Museum open 10AM – 4PM for Anything on Wheels event

ABOUT THE MEET
The West Penn Trolley Meet is a meet-up for trolley/traction fans and model enthusiasts that happens every other year.
– Model railway vendors
– Traction memorabilia dealers
– Traction-themed layouts and models
– Presentations and demonstrations
– Special trolley operations
– Trolley parade (Saturday)
– Night time photo sessions (more info below)
– Hoosier Traction Meet (separate registration | more info )
– Tour our streetcar collection
– Unlimited trolley rides
– Anything on Wheels event June 8-9
– Food truck (lunch) and lemonade stand
– And more!

West Penn Trolley Meet Registration
REGISTER HERE for the West Penn Trolley Meet as an attendee!
(for Hoosier Traction Meet registration, see below)
(for vendor tables and exhibitors, see below)
Registration for the West Penn Trolley Meet is requested of attendees – even if you’re a PTM member! This helps us with our planning. The West Penn Trolley Meet is free for members. Discounted weekend passes will be available on site ($30 for 2 days, $40 for 3 days – does NOT include PRT excursion on Sunday). Registration is available online or by mail. Attendees are welcome to purchase tickets on site upon arrival!

Hoosier Traction Meet
For the Hoosier Traction Meet, PTM members receive a discount. For more information, see the 2024 Prospectus on the Hoosier Traction Meet website here.

Pennsylvania Trolley
Museum Members

Regular Price

One day (Advance)
$25
$45

All weekend (Advance)
$40
$60

One day (walk up)
$30
$50

All weekend (walk up)
$50
$70

REGISTER HERE for the Hoosier Traction Meet

VENDORS
REGISTER HERE – or print out this form and mail it in! This link is for both West Penn Trolley Meet and Hoosier Traction Meet Vendors.
Tables (6-foot) are $30 each. Each vendor receives 2 admission tickets to the event. Make sure to include any requests in the comments on the registration. Vendors are invited to set up at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 6 and 7:30 a.m. on June 7 (reach out if you need to access the museum at another time and we may be able to accommodate your request). The main event is June 7 and 8, but the Museum will be open for Anything on Wheels June 9 as well with lots of foot traffic, and vendors are welcome to keep their tables set up until 4 PM Sunday. Please register by May 20 for tables!
Note: The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is handling registrations for all vendors – both for the West Penn Trolley Meet and the Hoosier Traction Meet.

EXHIBITORS
REGISTER HERE – or print out this form and mail it in!
Limited non-commercial 8-foot tables and space are free. Space will be given on a first register, first serve basis, with traction-themed layouts prioritized. Registration includes 2 admission tickets to the event. NOTE: Layouts, displays, and commercial tables will be mixed together in the same display areas. Please include a sketch and/or relevant measurements for any models, layouts, or special displays you plan to bring. Layout set-up will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 6 and 7:30 a.m. Friday, June 7. (Please reach out if you’d like access to the museum outside of those times and we may be able to accommodate your request.) The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Exhibitors please register by May 31.

NIGHT PHOTO SESSIONS
A night-time photo session will begin around sunset on both Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8. Hosted by Tom Pawlesh and Bill Monaghan, trolleys will be staged for photos with other historic vehicles. No pre-registration required. This shoot is open to PTM members, volunteers, vendors, exhibitors, and those who attended the meet.
Tom and Bill plan to use a continuous lighting source. Night photographers are requested to bring a camera and tripod.

SUNDAY EXCURSION
SOLD OUT – Wait list registration available
An optional Sunday morning – early afternoon excursion in Pittsburgh by light rail is planned in partnership with Pittsburgh Regional Transit. More details to come – this promises to be a fun railfan tour! Additional registration required. Transportation to the meeting point is on your own – PTM will help arrange carpools if needed (reach out to Kristen at kfred@patrolley.org). Registration is $50, or $40 for PTM members, and $25 for students (ID required).
REGISTER HERE for the PTM + PRT Light Rail Trip (Sold out as of April 10 – wait list available)

HOTEL INFO
We are working with three local hotels for this event.

For your convenience, a block of rooms has been reserved at Fairfield by Marriott, Washington Casino Area at 451 Racetrack Rd. Washington, PA, 15301 near the casino and outlet mall. When calling to make your reservation, please mention the Trolley Museum Block in order to receive a discounted rate of $119 per night plus tax. Please call (724) 223-5555 to make your reservation by May 4 or use this link. Group rate is valid 6/5-6/10. Rooms include a free breakfast and free parking.
We also have a block at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites at 810 Highlands Meadow Drive, Washington, PA 15301 also near the casino and outlet mall. Phone: 724-884-0556. When calling to make your reservation, please mention the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and the West Penn Trolley Meet to receive a discounted rate of $98 per night plus tax or enter code WPT under Rate Preference –> Group Rate –> Group Code. Reserve by May 16. Rooms include a free breakfast and free parking.
We’re also working with HomeTowne Studios & Suites Washington by Red Roof at 2110 N Franklin Dr, Washington, PA 15301. Call the hotel front desk at (724) 884-0299 and mention the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum to receive the discounted rate of $69.89 plus tax (Sunday-Thursday) and $82.89 plus tax (Fridays and Saturdays). Jacuzzi rooms available for $15 upgrade! Rate is valid all of 2024. Rooms include a free breakfast and free parking.

Additional hotels with special rates have been organized by the Hoosier Traction Meet, including:

Comfort Inn Meadowlands (237 Meadowlands Blvd in Washington, PA). Phone (724) 746-9700. Rooms are available for Thu-Sun night, Jun 6-10. Check-in time is 3:00 PM with check-out no later than 11:00 AM. Rooms are available for $89 (single or double) plus tax. Rooms consist of two queen-size beds. Cut-off date for rooms at this rate is Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Mention that you are with The Hoosier Traction Meet.
Quality Inn & Suites (501 Racetrack Rd in Washington, PA) (formerly Microtel). Phone (724) 705-7676. Rooms are available for Thu-Sun night, June 6-10. Check-in time is 3:00 PM with check-out no later than 11:00 AM. Rate is $60 plus tax for two queen-size beds. Cut-off date for rooms at this rate is Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Mention that you are with The Hoosier Traction Meet.

FOOD TRUCKS
Food trucks will be on site with lunch for purchase.
Friday, June 7, 2024: All American Grill (Facebook)
Saturday, June 8, 2024: Los Gallitos (Website) (Facebook)
Sunday, June 9, 2024: Hott Dawgz (Website) (Facebook)
Saturday and Sunday: La! La! Lemonade will have hand-squeezed lemonade with classic and creative flavors available for purchase both days!

Trolleyology: Rails to Victory
2024-06-05 19:00 - 20:30
Join PTM staff, volunteers, and members for our Zoom series, Trolleyology! These programs feature Pennsylvania transit history topics and tales of our collection that you can experience from home. Registration is required but free of charge. Donations are welcome and encouraged.

Rails to Victory: Allied Rail Operations in Europe Before and After D-Day
June 5, 2024 – 7 PM ET – Presented by Hans Altena

REGISTER HERE

Without logistics, both warfare and liberation would be impossible. Such was the case in Europe in 1944, and the same is true today. An army is comprised of many parts: the army unit responsible for transportation on the American side was the Transportation Corps. It included transportation by road, water and rail. Rail transportation was organized in three divisions: the 1st, 2nd and 3rd MRS (Military Railway Services).
After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 brought the war to American soil, the United States became fully involved in World War Two. The United States declared war on both Japan and Germany. America immediately began taking actions on many fronts to change the tide of the war on both the eastern and western fronts. American industry was mobilized on a massive scale to design and produce military vehicles, including a large amount of railway rolling stock. Commanders realized that the railroads would form the backbone of all military operations in the occupied territories. The enormous quantities of supplies that would be required to liberate the occupied territories could only be transported by rail to the constantly changing front lines. It was calculated that no fewer than 100,000 pieces of rolling stock would be required, understanding that local railway rolling stock could not be relied upon. In cooperation with the British War Department the production of the rolling stock began in January of 1942. This marked the beginning of an interesting and unique historical period.
Due to German destruction, many countries had an immediate need for railroad rolling stock, and transfers were made from the Allied military surplus stores located throughout Europe. The Dutch State Railways (Nederlandse Spoorwegen or NS) purchased various steam and diesel locomotives and cars from the Transportation Corps and the War Department through this channel. A well-known type is the Whitcomb diesel locomotive, two examples of which are now back in the Netherlands since 2018. Presenter Hans Altena played a significant role in the repatriation of the two locomotives. Additionally, Hans is the chair of the “Stichting 162” (162 Foundation) which has fully restored a War Department locomotive and several freight cars. Using various sources, including some that have only recently become available, Hans will present this often overlooked but very special chapter of railroad history.

This program will be recorded and available at a later date on the PTM YouTube channel.

Trolleyology presentations will continue on a regular or semi-regular basis. Interested in presenting? Email Kristen at kfred@patrolley.org! We’re specifically looking for programs related to the Trolley Era in general, Pennsylvania transit history, or stories about our collection. Please join our e-mail list to stay up-to-date with program announcements and other PTM news!
*For the best experience, we recommend downloading Zoom in advance.
NOTE: This is a virtual event

Trolleyology: Pittsburgh Streetcars: April 1971
2024-05-21 19:00 - 20:30
Join PTM staff, volunteers, and members for our Zoom series, Trolleyology! These programs feature Pennsylvania transit history topics and tales of our collection that you can experience from home. Registration is required but free of charge. Donations are welcome and encouraged.

Pittsburgh Streetcars: April 1971
5/21/2024 – 7 PM ET – Presented by David Warner

REGISTER HERE

In the spring of 1971, the Pittsburgh streetcar system was a mere shadow of its former glory, and it was about to shrink even more. For a high school student visiting the city for the first time, however, what remained was intoxicating, with plenty of activity. This show follows a teenage Dave around the South Hills as he rode and photographed the tired-looking, but incredibly fascinating remaining routes. Featured subjects include the single-track, rush-hour only operation between Castle Shannon and Mt. Lebanon, which is now part of the PRT Red Line, and the hilltop lines in Beltzhoover, Allentown and Knoxville, which had just over half-a-year left to run.
Dave is a retired U.S. Navy Commander. During his 20-year career he was the chief engineer of a nuclear-powered submarine and a member of the commissioning crew of the U.S.S. Albuquerque (SSN 706). He has worked in the passenger rail industry for over 27 years, and is recently-retired from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority where he served as the Chief Vehicle Engineering Officer for nearly seven years.
Together with different co-authors, Dave has written four books about Amtrak subjects. The Metroliners (published in 2016) and Fifty Years of Amtrak Trains (2022) were created with Bruce Goldberg. Last year, Amtrak By the Numbers: 2 (a much-improved version of the 2011 Amtrak By the Numbers) was published with El Simon and Kevin EuDaly as co-authors. Dave’s first published photo graced the cover of the February 1976 issue of Traction and Models. It was an image of Pittsburgh’s “The Spirit of 1776” Bicentennial-painted trolley on Arlington Avenue.
Dave has lived in Wilmington, DE, for the past 27 years, with his wife Ann, and two cats. Through the years, Ann has remained the same, while various cats have come and gone. Dave and Ann have two sons, both of whom work at Lockheed Martin

This program will be recorded and available at a later date on the PTM YouTube channel.

Trolleyology presentations will continue on a regular or semi-regular basis. Interested in presenting? Email Kristen at kfred@patrolley.org! We’re specifically looking for programs related to the Trolley Era in general, Pennsylvania transit history, or stories about our collection. Please join our e-mail list to stay up-to-date with program announcements and other PTM news!
*For the best experience, we recommend downloading Zoom in advance.
NOTE: This is a virtual event

Street Fair
2024-05-19 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Step back in time at our electrifying street fair!
Imagine a bustling scene where street performers light up the sidewalks with their mesmerizing acts. Feel the heat as fire dancers set the atmosphere ablaze, marvel at stilt walkers towering above the crowd, be amazed by jugglers moving with jaw-dropping precision, witness magicians weaving enchantment, let mimes spark your imagination, and watch artists bring smiles with face painting, balloon art, and caricatures!
Groove to live music as you indulge in scrumptious treats from food trucks. Plus, explore booths from our beloved community partners, and don’t miss out on special activities for the little ones! And of course, take a ride on one of antique trolleys!
Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday, May 18th and 19th, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Don’t miss out on this sensational event that promises to transport you to a bygone era!
No advanced tickets, regular admission rates apply.

The New Roaring '20s Speakeasy!
2024-05-16 20:00 - 22:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum – New Address, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
The Roaring ’20’s come alive at our Prohibition-era Speakeasy!
Sponsors: Wabtec & Washington Auto Mall/The Falconi Family of Dealerships
Cost: $100.00
Enjoy whiskey samplings from Liberty Pole, Red Pump, B&B distilleries and others while exploring our beautifully restored streetcars in the Trolley Display Building.
Be transported to the Trolley Era as you ride our antique trolleys and are entertained with music by Washington Jazz Society & DJ Cake.
Light refreshments provided by Bella Sera.

Roaring ’20’s attire encouraged!

*21+ event, ID checked at door

Buy Tickets

The New Roaring '20s Gala
2024-05-16 17:30 - 22:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum – New Address, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Celebrate the “New Roaring 20’s” in style at our black-tie/Roaring 20’s attire (optional) dinner on May 16!
Presenting Sponsor: Wabtec
Cost: $250.00
Cocktails: 5:30 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm
Dinner by Bella Sera
Music by the Washington Jazz Society
Speakeasy: 8:00 pm (included with dinner ticket)
Join us in the Trolley Display Building for light refreshments, whisky sampling, and live music!
Separate tickets for Speakeasy event are on sale for $100.
Buy Tickets

Vintage Communications Weekend
2024-05-05 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-04 10:00 - 16:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum – New Address, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Join us at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum for a weekend of vintage communications! This event highlights the communications technology of the trolley era. Our regular admission rates are $20 for adults, $19 for seniors, and $15 for children 3-18. Children under 3 are free. Admission includes access to the event, the museum and its exhibits, the Trolley Display Building, and rides on vintage, restored trolleys.
What to See

Local amateur radio clubs will be setting up a special event station and inviting visitors to explore the historic (and modern!) world of ham radio. Test out your Morse code skills on a practice key!
Typewriter enthusiasts are invited to display their machines and to set up machines the public can use! We’ll have over two dozen machines as part of the event. The museum will host buy/sell/trade tables as well. Type a letter to send in the mail and test out the different fonts and feelings of these classic machines
You’ve heard of a printing press – now’s your chance to test one out! Wayne and Nancy Young from the print shop in Portersville will be sharing and demonstrating their printing press
See (and hear!) a collection of working antique radios – local collector Ben Costello will showcase his collection of Catalin tabletop radios, similar to the Bakelite radios
On Saturday only, see a WWII-era Jeep with a back seat command set radio
Experience the sounds of a Victrola and observe the bells of antique phonographs
See a selection of antique telephones through the ages from the collection of Dave Grill

Also Invited:
Do you collect a particular mode or method of vintage communication? Please reach out to Kristen at kfred@patrolley.org if you’d be willing to share/display/showcase your…

antique radios
antique telephones
antique televisions
vintage cameras
newspapers
recording or broadcasting equipment
…and other types of communication!

Or, let us know you’re interested in attending or exhibiting here! Exhibitors who register in advance are eligible for free or reduced admission.
More Information about our Exhibitors:
Printing Press: Come see the Steam Show Print Shop from the Northwest PA Steam Engine and Old Equipment Association! We will be demonstrating how hand-set type was used in the 1700s to the mid 1900s. Books, magazines, newspapers, wedding invitations, and other printed materials were created using this technique. Print your own souvenir on our Kelsey table top press!
Amateur Radio: WA3COM is coordinating and organizing the amateur radio communications for this event, including the special event station. The station’s call sign is W3T – ham radio operators are encouraged to work us on the air! Visitors can see a functioning amateur radio station, and an amateur radio operator will help you try to make a radio call! Representatives from the Washington Amateur Communications (WA3COM) and Steel City Amateur Radio Club (W3KWH) will be on hand to answer all of your ham radio-related questions! Modes demonstrated will include CW (Morse code), SSB (phone), and FT8 (digital).
Jeep Command Set Radio: Volunteer Don Grimm will exhibit his WWII-era Jeep and the SCR-506-A – a medium-power AM set designed for installation in tanks, amphibian trucks, personnel carriers, and other vehicles to provide continuous wave (CW) and voice communication from one vehicle to another or between these vehicles and airplanes or base stations. Saturday only!
Typewriters: Enthusiasts from around the region will be bringing more than two dozen typewriters – some for display-only, some for the public to use, and some for selling! If you’ve had a typewriter in your house for a long time and you’re wondering what to do to fix it, feel free to bring it in – experts will be on site!

Hotel Info

This year, we’re working with HomeTowne Studios & Suites Washington by Red Roof at 2110 N Franklin Dr, Washington, PA 15301. Call the hotel front desk at (724) 884-0299 and mention the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum to receive the discounted rate of $69.89 plus tax (Sunday-Thursday) and $82.89 plus tax (Fridays and Saturdays). Jacuzzi rooms available for $15 upgrade! Rate is valid all of 2024. Rooms include a free breakfast and free parking.
Special rates for museum-goers are also available at the Quality Inn & Suites (501 Racetrack Rd in Washington, PA) (formerly Microtel). Phone (724) 705-7676. Rates vary by season but are typically $60-$75 per night plus tax – mention the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum when asking about special rates.
There are many other hotels nearby along Racetrack Road within 10 minutes of the Museum and elsewhere in Washington, PA within a 15 minute drive.

The STEAM Station
2024-05-04 10:00 - 15:00
This event is being offered as part of Remake Learning Days in Southwestern Pennsylvania!
Dive into all five areas of STEAM with interactive activities, demos, and experiments at stations spread throughout the whole museum!

This first-ever of its kind event is geared towards students and their families. It is a family-friendly event designed to engage students in all five areas of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Each station will be focused on one of these specific content areas and will have various hands-on interactive challenges, demonstrations, and experiments.

Science: Test anything and everything, including toy cars, coins, playdough, and even fruits and veggies to see what kinds of objects are conductive with the power of Makey Makey Technology and the Conductivity Tester 5000!
Technology: Explore how everything from robots to AI is changing the world of transit, then practice plotting out an automated transit route through a tiny town using Sphero Robots!
Engineering: Discover communication technology used throughout time, and dive into the nuts and bolts of how they work!
Art: Investigate color theory and patterns while getting messy with spin-art!
Math: 66, 4004, 1738 – what do those numbers mean and where do they come from? Find out on an exciting scavenger hunt through the Trolley Display Building!

Advanced tickets are NOT required. This event is included with general admission and is part of Remake Learning Days. Members receive free admission!

Registration is NOT required, but we’d love to have an estimate on how many people are planning on attending this event. Please let us know if you’ll be joining us by filling out this quick form.

Trolleyology: Cincinnati's Incomplete Subway
2024-04-23 19:00 - 20:30
Join PTM staff, volunteers, and members for our Zoom series, Trolleyology! These programs feature Pennsylvania transit history topics and tales of our collection that you can experience from home. Registration is required but free of charge. Donations are welcome and encouraged.

Cincinnati’s Incomplete Subway
4/23/2024 – 7 PM ET – Presented by Jake Mecklenborg

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Cincinnati, OH is infamously known as the home of the longest abandoned subway tunnel in the United States. Local historian Jacob Mecklenborg, author of Cincinnati’s Incomplete Subway – The Complete History, will present on the project’s genesis, construction, and abandonment, as well as 1930s-era proposals to convert the unused rapid transit line for use by the Cincinnati Street Railway. The presentation will include new photos and other information collected since the book’s publication in 2010.

This program will be recorded and available at a later date on the PTM YouTube channel.

Trolleyology presentations will continue on a regular or semi-regular basis. Interested in presenting? Email Kristen at kfred@patrolley.org! We’re specifically looking for programs related to the Trolley Era in general, Pennsylvania transit history, or stories about our collection. Please join our e-mail list to stay up-to-date with program announcements and other PTM news!
*For the best experience, we recommend downloading Zoom in advance.
NOTE: This is a virtual event
